Cobourg's Coat of Arms

County Historical Archives

Starting in 1980, the historical archives of Cobourg were managed by the Cobourg Historical Society using Volunteers. In 1995 it was provided with a suitable room in the Cobourg Public Library and access was granted to the Public. In 2003 the County of Northumberland appointed the (Cobourg) Historical Society Archives as its official archival depository for historic documents. The Town of Cobourg did the same in 2006. But as it got bigger the cost and volunteer work required became too much so the Historical Society asked the Town to take over the function.

Instead of doing that, the Town transferred responsibility to the County but continued to provide the space at the Library. This was effective 2012. Since then, Alnwick Haldimand, Cramahe have also designated the County Archives as their official repositories.

The result is that although the Archives are a County responsibility – they employ the archivist – it is located on Town of Cobourg property and it seems like a Cobourg Municipal Service in the same way as the Library is a Town service and not a County Service.

There is no charge for access although you need to discuss your requirements with the archivist who is very helpful.